Globally, more than 1 billion people lack access to a safe water supply, and more than 2.4 billion people lack access to proper wastewater treatment. This situation leads to repeated outbreaks of preventable diseases. In 2005 in Mexico, only 28.2% of municipal wastewaters received any kind of treatment. This article examines the present and projected situation with respect to wastewater treatment and the implications of these trends on water supply and on public health. Possible technical solutions are also analyzed so that the country can increase the ratio between treated and discharged municipal wastewaters.
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